Could You Have High-Functioning Depression?

Clinical depression symptoms are easily recognized by most people even vaguely familiar with the disease.

In contrast, high-functioning depression is much more difficult to recognize. A person afflicted with this condition can smile their way through most social situations while secretly harboring unhappy thoughts about themselves. As a result, people with high-functioning depression are often considered to have a less severe type of disease.

What is High-Functioning Depression?

Somebody with high-functioning depression has depressive disorder symptoms but can still function in life, work, school, and relationships. Symptoms are typically milder than clinical depression and are easier to mask, making symptoms more difficult to spot.

Even sufferers can remain unaware they have the disease for some time, and it often takes a stressful event to make them aware of their condition.

Many people with high-functioning depression often possess the types of personalities that are more likely to push through the symptoms rather than seek help.

High-functioning depressives are often considered perfectionists. This view can increase their motivation to mask their feelings and project a certain image they believe others want to see.

Signs You May Have High-Functioning Depression

High-functioning depression is unique to the individual. While symptoms may be readily apparent in one person, somebody else will have an entirely different experience. Here are some of the clues to look out for:

  • Your personality is often described as bleak, grumpy, or gloomy.
  • You can appear lazy because finding the energy to do even basic things can be a challenge.
  • You rarely feel good about yourself and your internal dialogue is often searching for new ways to criticize yourself, even after receiving a compliment.
  • Your appetite is sporadic, which causes fluctuations in weight.
  • You feel sad, hopeless, or cry for no apparent reason.
  • You seem to be doing fine at work or school, but your desire to appear normal takes an emotional toll.
  • Alcohol and other drugs are frequent temptations for making you feel better.

Tips for Managing High-Functioning Depression

Depression can often feel like a hopeless situation, but it’s important to know there are treatments and help available. Depressed people often feel that it is a temporary condition that may soon pass. As a result, many people continue to live with depression without seeking the help they need.

Don’t force yourself to live with depression, because it rarely goes away on its own. Be proactive with the following tips:

  • Be more active: Depression often makes people more inactive, which can exacerbate the symptoms. Try to get at least 30 minutes of exercise every day. Good exercises you can start with for free include walking, yoga, jogging, or cycling. If 30 minutes seems like too much to ask, try starting with 5 or 10 minutes a day and working your way up.
  • Eat a healthy varied diet: It’s easy to slip into unhealthy food choices when you are feeling down, but a healthy, well-balanced diet can help ease symptoms.
  • Go outside: Sunlight, fresh air and nature are excellent natural mood enhancers.
  • Get plenty of sleep: The right number of hours of good quality sleep can go a long way to easing your symptoms. Keep in mind that it is not recommended that you oversleep or spend too much time in bed, however.

If you think you have tried everything to ease your depression but yet it still persists, try getting professional help and advice from a trained mental health professional.

With the right therapist, your mood and energy can lift and can start living your best life. Visit this page to find out more about getting professional support: Depression Treatment